Seattle fire investigators have confirmed four arson cases in South Seattle neighborhoods over the past week, with two additional fires under review as officials warn residents to stay vigilant.
The fires occurred in Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, and Mount Baker during overnight hours, raising concerns about a possible serial arsonist targeting the area.
“Right now, there should be a heightened sense of awareness,” Fire Chief Harold Scoggins said. “In the communities where these fires have occurred—South Seattle, Beacon Hill—we want residents to stay alert and report anything suspicious immediately by calling 911.”
The most recent incident involved the Columbia Funeral Home and Crematory on Rainier Avenue South, where surveillance footage shows a man pouring flammable liquid on the building before it caught fire. About 30 minutes later, a home under construction on South Hanford Street in Mount Baker was set ablaze, followed by a fence fire down the block.
The first confirmed arson occurred the previous Saturday at an unfinished residence on 19th Avenue South. All fires happened in close proximity during early morning hours when residents were likely asleep.
Seattle Police’s Arson and Bomb Squad is reviewing surveillance footage from traffic cameras and private security systems. Firefighters are distributing door-to-door flyers with safety tips throughout affected neighborhoods.
“We’re asking people to take basic steps to protect their homes,” Scoggins said. “Lock doors and windows, move combustibles like trash bins away from structures, and make sure there’s adequate lighting near alleyways or backyard fences.”
Vicki Ebberts, who lives near one of the fire scenes, said her family is adding security cameras and checking on neighbors more frequently.
“When something like this happens while you’re sleeping, you start to realize how quickly things can go wrong,” she said.
City officials expect the attacks may continue. “We’ve seen in past incidents that patterns like this don’t always stop on their own,” Scoggins said.
The Arson Alarm Foundation is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest or conviction. Tips can be reported anonymously at 1-800-55-ARSON or SFD_FIU@seattle.gov.
